I'm a shit poor surfer, but I get out on the waves. I recommend getting an "egg" or fun board to start with, Choke. They float you better and make it easier to catch the waves. I currently ride a mini-malibu which are also pretty easy. I haven't been out this summer, though... waves in Japan suck, and it's hard to get up at 4 am and drive the 2 hours to a decent beach to catch the dawn waves.
Maybe when I move back to Cali I'll actually get decent at it!
-j69